PIL in Delhi HC; seeks directions to reframe guidelines for coaching institutes

New Delhi (India), August 10 (ANI): A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking changes in the guidelines for coaching institutes, with a focus on criminal liability. The PIL calls for stricter regulations and accountability measures to address issues like fraud, exploitation and security concerns at these institutions.

The petition seeks direction from the court to the Central and Delhi governments to frame detailed rules and regulations for the functioning of fee-based student boarding houses both in Delhi and across the country, which will ensure that these boarding houses are safe, regulated and suitable for students.

The appeal also advocates for an education system focused on holistic development and improving students’ minds, rather than just preparing them for entrance exams. The aim is to shift the emphasis to broader educational goals and personal development.

The complaint stated that the respondents had failed to provide adequate, safe and affordable housing to students and young aspirants in Delhi. This failure had adversely affected their overall personality development and ability to lead a dignified and prosperous life.

According to the appeal, the current education system prioritizes success in entrance exams over the holistic improvement of students’ minds, resulting in a decline in the quality of education in schools and colleges and an increased reliance on coaching institutes. The appeal, filed through advocate Rudra Vikram Singh, highlights these concerns.

The pervasive coaching culture has made students invest heavily in preparing for various entrance exams. Exploitation by coaching institutes and PG accommodation providers who charge exorbitant fees has exacerbated the problem. The tragic incident in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, where three students died due to negligence of the coaching institute, highlighted the dire conditions of PG accommodation.

The appeal aims to remedy this failure by calling on the court to implement regulations that will provide students with better living conditions and reform the education system so that it focuses on all-round development rather than just exam success.

The petition was filed by NGO Kutumb, which recently drew attention to the tragic death of UPSC aspirants in Rajinder Nagar in Delhi. Kutumb had earlier called for the formation of a high-level expert committee to address issues related to such incidents.

The new petition builds on their earlier efforts and seeks better regulations for counselling institutes and guest accommodation, as well as reforms in the education system that will ensure students’ well-being and all-round development.

For years, coaching institutes and guest house (PG) owners have been exploiting students and the government has not been taking enough action to address these issues. After the Mukherjee Nagar fire incident last year, the Union of India issued guidelines asking all states and union territories (UTs) to regulate coaching institutes through a legal framework. These guidelines are aimed at enhancing student safety, protection and prevention of exploitation. However, the petition argues that these measures are still insufficient and calls for more effective enforcement and comprehensive regulation. (ANI)